‘Tis the Season for Neighboring


Acts of neighborliness are often simple gestures that help us be a good neighbor, lift up others, or make our community a place we love.

I invite you celebrate this special time of year with a gesture of neighboring friendship and support aimed at the families living behind the eight closets front doors to you.

This is a seasonal list of ideas that have been used by individuals in the #engagedneighbor network.

 

Set up an outdoor picture-taking event for kids.


Bring out a fire pit in your front yard to roast marshmallows or make s'mores. 


Find a tree or evergreen in the neighborhood that could be a joint decorating event - complete with hot chocolate and music


Invite your neighbors over for a holiday open house or Christmas tea.


Mail or leave at the door a surprise affirmation note to neighbors.


Use the element of surprise with a gift or act of service that would bless your neighbors.


Make a double batch of the cookies you’re baking and bring some to a neighbor.


Know parents who could use a night out?  Offer to babysit a neighbor’s child for free.


Deliver a homemade card to your neighbor, or leave it in their door.


Invite your neighbors to help the less fortunate by collecting food for a food pantry.


Go caroling and give out free homemade Christmas cookies to neighbors.


Put together a goodie-bag for the neighbors and go from house to house giving them out. 


How about a neighborhood Christmas potluck for neighbors?


Give mini Poinsettias with notes


Offer free gift-wrapping for the neighborhood w/coffee and cookies.

As I have grown older I have seen the holidays differently. For starters, the way we see our neighbors during the holidays can bring greater compassion, understanding, and a richness that we might otherwise miss.

When you look at your neighbors this year, you may see some of them struggling if you look at Christmas glasses. Maybe your neighbor is dealing with a job loss and trying hard to make ends meet. Other neighbors might be dealing with physical illness themselves or of a loved one. Neighbors might have other challenges like a divorce, being alone, lost of a loved one, or even fighting mental illness.

It doesn’t mean you must hide your joy if that is where you find yourself, but are there practical ways to live and love during the holidays. Start with these thoughts in mind: be sensitive, reach out, be generous, and think practically. 

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Does this article make you interested in taking the Engaged Neighbor pledge? Five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge online at http://engagedneighbor.com.

Contact the blog author, David L. Burton at dburton541@yahoo.com.

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